Derby County to seal fourth January transfer with Premier League loan
Derby County are set to clinch the signing of Everton teenager playmaker Harrison Armstrong on a loan deal until the end of the season.
It is understood the midfielder is due to undergo a medical and will sign a new contract with the Toffees before making the switch to Pride Park for the rest of the campaign.
With Everton set to wrap up a move for Carlos Alcaraz today, the Premier League side have sanctioned Armstrong's exit with Derby having fended off numerous clubs to land the talented 18-year-old.
Armstrong showcased his ability during the win over Peterborough in the FA Cup when he caught the eye with a brilliant assist for Beto in the 2-0 win over Darren Ferguson's side. Armstrong has also featured in the Premier League this season, but largely as a substitute with his last appearance coming in a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth at the beginning of January.
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The midfielder is largely regarded as being too good for the academy but not quite ready for regular Premier League starts with Everton keen to get him some game time with Derby now his destination.
Speaking about Armstrong, former boss Sean Dyche said: "It’s a funny thing with football. It’s like he just arrived on the scene, we’ve played him in the first team this season, he was with us from pre-season, I played him at Salford.
“It’s a funny thing, he scores a few goals and people go ‘wow, what about this kid?’ He’s been with us for months actually, and been doing what he’s doing, learning.
“I appreciate the fact that when I first saw him, I thought ‘hmm, I like him, so he can come with us. No more than that, he’s just another player who is developing, learning and working hard.”
Derby have been eager to add more creative options to the centre of midfield as they look to climb free of the relegation zone with the Rams still two points adrift of safety.
They were earlier linked with a move for Nottingham Forest's Lewis O'Brien but he looks set to join Swansea City in a deal until the end of the campaign.
